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Barbara Carol Holman Morse

Often called “Annie Oakley”, long time Absarokee resident Barbara Holman Morse passed on peacefully with grace and dignity early Tuesday morning, March 13 in Burbank, Calif.

Barbara was born on April 27, 1936 in Pelican Rapids, Minn. to Ralph (Rolf) Martin Holman and Helen Teresa (Calahan) Holman.

In 1955, Barbara graduated from high school and married rancher Maurice (Buzz) Flanagan in Absarokee. They moved to Big Timber had three children, Martin James Flanagan, Tamera Laurie (Flanagan) DiJulio and Maurice Neil, who passed away at birth.

Barbara became a real estate broker and in 1980 married lawyer Bill Morse. They made their home in Absarokee, enjoyed working together and loved traveling to Europe.

Barbara had a fond love for nature. One of Barbara’s favorite past times was fishing in Alaska. She was a true adventurer with a free spirit and was incredibly down to earth. Barbara had a tremendous sense of humor which she carried with her until her last days on earth.

Barbara is survived by her devoted sister Marsha Rae (John) Ratcliff; eldest son Martin James Flanagan; grandchildren Stephanie Abney, Calahan Flanagan, Larissa (Chris) Swanson, Daisy (Cody) Holden, Nels Flanagan and Brigit Flanagan; great-grandchildren Tanner, Talan, Caden, Paisley and the newest addition, Maverick Ace, whom she had the joy of holding just before she passed; loving niece Teresa Peterson and her children Justin, Christopher and Daniel; nephew Larry (Tara) Hanberg and their children Garrett and Marissa Rae. Barbara is also survived by her two daughter-in-laws Jeri and Janice along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Helen Teresa Holman; father Ralph (Rolf) Martin Holman; husband William (Bill) Morse; daughter Tamera Flanagan DiJulio; and infant son Maurice Neil.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Smith Funeral Chapel in Columbus.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, March 30 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee, Mont., followed by a burial at the Rosebud Cemetery.

Memorial gifts can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee, or the Absarokee Old Rock School Building, where Barbara went to school, and fought to preserve over the years.